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Did you know that our skin protects us through the pH barrier? Keeping the pH of the skin balanced is the only way to obtain healthy, glowing skin. Let’s decode about skin’s pH and how it plays a bigger role in skin health.

What exactly is pH? 

pH refers to the potential of hydrogen, which is a parameter used for acidity measurement. pH levels range from 0-14; different pH ranges indicate different levels of acidity or alkalinity.

• pH below 7: Acidic
• pH of 7: Neutral
• pH above 7: Alkaline

The pH of our skin is acidic and ranges from 4.5 to 5.5. This helps in protecting our skin from harmful bacteria. Hence, it is important to use skincare products that are around that same range. Our face and hands are more alkaline; however, the body parts that are less exposed (underarms, groin, etc) are more acidic.

What factors affect your skin’s pH?

Let us look at some pointers that influence the skin’s pH:

• Medical issues like eczema, acne 
• Pollution and humidity
• Hard water can raise the skin’s pH levels
• Harsh skincare products
• As you age, skin becomes more alkaline.
• Poor diet and nutrition can affect your body’s ability to maintain a proper pH level.

Can you check your skin’s pH levels?

You can use home test strips to check your skin’s pH levels. However, the results from home testing might be inaccurate. Hence, it is better to consult a dermatologist for appropriate results.

Apart from this, you can also know your skin’s pH through observation. If your skin has red spots, a dry, and flaky texture, it indicates that it has an alkaline pH. Too much of an acidic pH can also exhibit these symptoms.

How can you maintain a healthy skin pH?

Let us look at a few tips to help in maintaining healthy pH levels:

• Use gentle cleansers: Cleansers can help in managing your skin’s pH levels. Use gentle plant-based cleansers. Avoid using alkaline ones as they can trigger skin irritation. If your skin is acne-prone, you can opt for acidic cleansers. 
• Use toners: Toners can help in bringing down excess alkalinity that can affect your skin. If you have a skin condition, speak with a skincare professional before using them.
• Moisturizer: Choose light-weight moisturizers that suit your skin type. There are non-greasy ones available too for oily skin. Our Lumi-dew moisturiser boosts collagen and helps provide supple and smooth skin. 
• Exfoliate skin: Exfoliating skin once a week is essential to remove dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation can further help in lowering the skin’s pH. Talk to a skincare professional to understand which kind of exfoliation can suit your skin.
• Avoid harsh products: Use fragrance-free and alcohol free products. Harsh soaps and shampoos can dry out your skin and increase its pH.
• Check the product labels: Some products mention pH levels on the label. You can also check out labels that mention “pH balanced”.

So the next time, treat your skin’s pH like a bodyguard. Use skincare products that are pH-friendly, and your skin will be forever grateful to you.